In our quest for happiness, we often tend to overthink things, everything ( I see you). Most of us tend to grow up believing we need to spend or have a ton of money, friends, a partner, children, a great career, before we are able to show up as ‘happy’. If you’ve got the money or some of those things, then good for you. However, it’s not necessary and it’s definitely not the recipe of happiness for every single person. Happiness is a state of being, it’s not a goal and you have the choice to be happy right now. For those who don’t wish to go bankrupt for a moment of happiness, then check out these ten simple happiness tips to bring happy into your space right now:
- Smile like you mean it
A fake smile is quite easy enough to produce and overtime you can become quite good at appearing sincerely happy whilst performing. The trick to producing a real smile, one that comes from deep in your being is to think about something genuine and positive to you, like a happy thought or a funny moment. You’ll find yourself being able to crack a real smile in no time at all. When you get to that point smile as often as you can, it’s an immediate trigger for your body to relax and to uplift your spirits.
- Eat your favorite dessert
Ok Ok if you know me I’m all about that sweet life. Love chocolate cake? How about lollies or ice cream? If you feel like you’ve been depriving yourself of life’s simple pleasures, then by all means, go out there and grab a bite of your favorite snack. Even diets have cheat days, you know. The world won’t end because of a simple treat, you wont gain ten kilos over a piece of cake. Sweets were meant to be enjoyed, savour the moment, consume it mindfully and experience the pleasure of that moment because you deserve to.
- Be grateful
Think about what you’re going to do if you lose everything that’s good in your life. Won’t it crush you? It probably will. So, be thankful and be grateful for the things and the people who make your life worthwhile. Who surrounds you with love and support, who makes you laugh out loud? Do you have a comfortable bed to snuggle into, a pet that loves you unconditionally? Were you able to help someone recently? These thoughts are instant mood boosters because they are moments of joy and reminders of all that’s great in our lives.
- Live in the present
Don’t get caught up in the past or fantasize too much about an unpredictable future. Look around you and focus on something that can make you happy instantly. We tend to get caught up in reminiscing our best childhood moments or dreaming and chasing goals. But when it comes down to it those moments we spend in our minds are moments of the present wasted. Find something special in the everyday, live as many mindful moments in the day as they present themselves and you’ll begin to enjoy the present just as much as the past.
- Get inspired
There are plenty of places where you can get inspiration. There’s YouTube and TED Talks, podcasts and books, and so much more! Get out in nature, connect with people in your field of interests. Follow people with an inspiring message to you. Get your hands dirty, how do you create? Start somewhere and build inspiration as you go, tap into your passions. When we create from a place of passion we instantly activate and move from a place of inspiration.
- Make someone else happy
As far as happiness tips go this one is probably one of the most important – don’t just focus on yourself. If you know someone who can use your help, go out there and help them out. Can you give someone some helpful advice? Can you physically help them with something, moving, building, cooking? Can you take someone somewhere, surprise them? How can you help someone within your means? Helping without the need for reciprocation taps into a deeper love. Not only are you helping them from a place of selflessness you are also opening up a wider portal of abundance from spirit to be returned to you.
- Go on a road trip
Sometimes you just need to take a break from your present environment. Don’t be afraid to recharge and escape into the countryside or the mountains or the beach. A change in scenery offers a change in perspective. Taking a break from our everyday environment allows us to see clearly from outside the box. It removes the stress while also giving us a moment of space, space for new thoughts, ideas and processes to breathe. Recharging our batteries offers us a moment to feel instantly satisfied.
- Treat yourself to something nice
You know what’s going to make you happy. If you’re not hurting anyone, go for it and treat yourself to something nice, like a relaxing body massage, for instance. Don’t do it because it’s trendy, do it because it sets your soul on fire and fills your self love cup. What activities, experiences or things do you like? Do them without guilt because they make you happy and for no other reason.
- Watch your favorite comedy
Watch old movie re-runs, stand up or spend time on YouTube looking up popular comedy channels. A few funny videos can do wonders for your state of mind (think of those funny cat and dog clips)! Belly laughing can instantly remove stress and anxiety and fear from your life and make you feel all warm and gooey on the inside.
- Get enough sleep
Sleep deprivation can do more harm than good. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, so you don’t spend the next day sleepy and grumpy! Remove tech from your bedroom, invest in the right pillows, make sure you have a supportive mattress and cozy blankets. Sleep is our way to recharge so miss this step and run on 1% all the next day. No one has joyful moments on 1%.
Happiness is a choice not a destination. You can be happy in any moment by surrounding yourself with the things you enjoy and by shifting your energy with these happiness tips. Don’t wait for something to happen before you choose to be happy or you will constantly be placing your happiness in the hands of others and experiences panning out the way you hope. There is nothing but you that can create lifelong happiness. It’s an internal experience, external influence can only give you small moments of joy.
Happy wandering x
PS Fun T-shirts make me happy! Have you seen my collection HERE?
